With the World Juniors Selection Camp set to get underway this weekend, how about a look into one of the newest members of the organization who is set to be in attendance, representing his native Finland.
Goaltender Petteri Rimpinen was one of nine players selected by the Kings at the 2025 NHL Draft. Though he was selected in the fifth round, Rimpinen was arguably one of the most accomplished players selected on draft weekend.
Rimpinen, at 18-years-old, was the starting goaltender for Kiekko-Espoo in Liiga last season, the top men’s division in Finland. While it’s not the best league in the world, you could certainly argue it’s Top-5 and while most of his draft peers were playing against players their own age, Rimpinen was playing every night in a league where winning trumps development, playing against the top players signed to play professionally in Finland.
How’d he handle the challenge? Rimpinen was selected as Liiga’s Rookie of the Year and he was a young rookie at that at just 18. In 40 appearances, Rimpinen posted a .915 save percentage and a 2.44 goals-against average, stout numbers no matter how you shake them. He’d have played even more if not for an international appearance midseason, as he represented Finland at the 2025 World Junior Championships.
Playing against players his own age in that event, Rimpinen shined as the top goaltender at the tournament. He was selected to the All-Tournament Team and was simultaneously named as the event’s Best Goaltender. He helped lead Team Finland all the way to the gold-medal game and into overtime of that game, despite his team being outshot nearly 2-1 on the way there. Ultimately, they came up just short, with Finland losing in overtime, despite 36 saves from Rimpinen. Not a bad showing, capping off a tournament in which he made a tournament-most 255 saves, good for a .933 save percentage.
This week upcoming, Rimpinen will be back alongside his countrymen. In preparation, Rimpinen was Finland’s starting goaltender in a 3-2 overtime win over Czechia, an exhibition contest to gear up the group for the showcase event ahead. Rimpinen is once again expected to be the starting goaltender for Team Finland, both at the showcase and at the main tournament in Minnesota this December and January. More on the showcase event HERE, with four Kings prospects set to play for Team USA and 1-2 more likely to compete for Team Canada. From July 27 through August 2, Rimpinen and Finland will play five games in total, beginning on Sunday against Team USA White. Full schedule in the link.
I caught up with the newest Kings netminder back at Development Camp, sharing a few of this thoughts as he approaches what could be another huge season overseas. Among European drafted prospects, I haven’t encountered too many who spoke more fluently than Rimpinen, who was very conversational and easy to talk with. It’s a small detail but should only help him as he one day integrates himself into the fold with the Kings or the Ontario Reign in North America.
On being drafted by the LA Kings
It was really special. The first year, I didn’t get drafted, so I’ve been waiting for this moment. Just a cool moment. We were back home with my family and then it was just basically packing up and heading to LA. It’s a nice place, it’s a dream come true here. There’s a lot of work to do still but that was the one milestone to achieve.
On his experience at LA Kings Development Camp earlier this month
It was awesome, learning some new stuff, there’s great goalie coaches in this organization. I love this place overall, there’s a lot of great guys, it’s just been a [great] experience overall.
On playing at the 2025 World Juniors
It was the best tournament I’ve ever been in. It was in Ottawa, one of the best places to probably hold a U-20 tournament. It was really special. The silver medal we got as a team, it was of course a special moment for the whole group and it was a lot of fun up there.
On an area of his game he’d like to take another step forward in this season
I’ve got to get quicker and better in every aspect, basically, but maybe try to calm down my play a little bit in certain moments. If I want to take another step here, I’ve got to get better at everything. The game is a lot quicker here in North America, smaller rink, so I’ve got to be even quicker. Even though that’s my strength, it’s got to be even better.
On his adjustments to playing on the smaller ice in North America
A little bit on the angles, but you will just play the game. You’re not even thinking about it. I think it’s harder to go back to the big rink because there’s so much space, and you’ve got to figure out when to be ready and when not. It’s actually easier to come to the smaller rink.
Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
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